thirtysomething {TV} (1987-1991) (4 seasons)

This television show, about seven friends in their 30's living in Philadelphia, was amazing television when it was first aired. It still is! Centered around a married couple, Hope and Michael, and their friends, the show tried to show many of the life changes we go through in our 30's. The group includes Hope and Michael, Nancy and Elliot, (who are married), Ellyn (note the "y"!) who is Hope's best friend since childhood, Melissa, who is also Michael's cousin, and Gary, Michael's best friend since college.

The various life events include the death of a parent, the death of a friend, someone getting cancer along with all the horrors of chemotherapy, a marriage almost breaking up, getting married, unexpected pregnancy, the decision to have a second child, a miscarriage, a business going belly up, career failure, career change, career advancement, looking for love, and the changing feelings that occur in marriage and friendship. This group of people are perhaps more open with each other than most of us are, but they do get to the truth of their feelings. And although many of the stories are dramatic, there is also great humor.

The acting is truly superb. All the cast were encouraged to direct episodes, which seemed to strengthen the acting even more. There are great moments of acted-out imagination, which was very experimental at the time, although not so unusual today. And there is some amazing and gorgeous camera work along with great soundtracks. Keep an eye on the guest stars, you'll see many familiar faces.

Thirtysomething was also the first television program to show two homosexuals in bed together (although not having sex). Their kiss made some advertisers withdraw which shows how far we have come.

Although a timepiece of the late 80's, the show has not dated (except for fashion [remember those humongous eyeglasses!]) and remains relevant to this day. This is quality television!


Created by Marshal Herskovitz and Edward Zwick. CAST: Ken Olin, Mel Harris, Melanie Mayron, Timothy Busfield, Patricia Wettig, Peter Horton, Polly Draper, Patricia Kalember, David Clennon.

AWARDS: 13 Emmys and 28 nominations; 2 Golden Globes; another 15 awards and 30 other nominations. 

TRIVIA: Ken Olin and Patricia Wettig are married in real life.

"thirtysomething" entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 1993, later followed by "twentysomething" as catch-all words to describe generations.